Building Up Your Body

Bodybuilding and Its Pros and Cons

Just like with most of the things we do in life, there are two sides to them: the good and the bad. For example, although we get a wealth of information from the World Wide Web, we also find info and images there that can be abhorrent.

If you plan to get into bodybuilding to get all buffed up, you also have to know its advantages and disadvantages so you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into. Remember that old age, ‘Look first before you leap.’ Another expression that expresses the same caveat is ‘forewarned is forearmed.’

Here are some of the pros and cons when it comes to bodybuilding:

The Pros

Learning discipline – If there’s one thing you’ll learn when you’re in a fitness program, it’s discipline. As it is with any other sport, you have to develop a commitment to your routine. When you know you have to be in the gym regularly to meet your goals, it instills that self-discipline for you to keep going and stick with your schedule.

Boosting your self-esteem – When you look and feel healthy and physically fit, you also feel more confident. Those who feel good about themselves can easily improve their self-esteem compared to those who think they don’t look good enough (although looks don’t necessarily make a man).

The Cons

Potential muscle damage – There are those who can get overzealous and lift weights that are beyond their capacity and even outside of their program. Needless to say, doing something beyond our body’s capacity can be risky. Lifting too much and too often is inviting damage not only to our muscles, but even to our bones.

Danger of dehydration – When you do intense workouts, you also sweat excessively. When there’s too much water being dispelled instead of taken in, you increase your chance of getting dehydrated. Dehydration can cause your body to lose electrolytes and eventually lead to dizziness and even arrhythmias.

Taking too much protein – Protein is, without question, needed by anyone, even those who are not into bodybuilding. However, excess protein can actually put a lot of stress on your organs, especially on your kidneys. Just like with anything, take and do things in moderation and consume only the right amount for you.

Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of bodybuilding equips you with the info you need to avoid its harmful effects and just enjoy its many benefits (you can check this article to read more about bodybuilding).